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Scappoose holds first reading of ordinance codifying HB 3505 on residential sprinklers, SDC exemptions
Summary
Scappoose — The City Council opened a public hearing on Sept. 15 and took a first reading on ordinance 9-23 to amend SMC 13.24.100 to implement House Bill 3505, which bars local SDC charges tied to residential sprinkler systems.
Scappoose — The City Council opened a public hearing Sept. 15 and took a first reading on ordinance 9-23 to amend the municipal code (SMC 13.24.100) to implement House Bill 3505, which prohibits local governments from imposing new or increased system development charges (SDCs) for residential sprinkler systems or for the increased water-meter capacity needed for such systems.
Community Development Director Laurie Oliver Joseph explained that developers often need a 1-inch meter to meet fire-flow demands when a residential sprinkler system is required, while a typical non-sprinkler home uses a 3/4-inch meter. She provided current combined SDC figures: $16,410.79 for a 3/4-inch meter and $27,350.82 for a 1-inch meter — a difference of nearly $11,000 that could otherwise be passed on to home buyers.
The Scappoose Fire District endorsed the proposed code change, explaining the public-safety benefits: residential sprinklers reduce fire spread in modern construction and can help lower ISO ratings, which can translate to lower insurance costs for the community. Fire District speaker Jeff said: "Putting sprinklers in these new homes is really important." The council noted the ordinance will go into effect after its second reading and adoption and that the state law takes effect Jan. 1, 2026.
A first-reading motion to adopt ordinance 9-23 passed; the council scheduled a second reading for the next meeting. Staff said adopting the local ordinance before January clarifies local application of the state law and resolves a conflict between a prior fee resolution and the municipal code.
Why it matters: The change removes a potentially large cost that would otherwise be paid by developers or new homeowners and supports fire-safety policy that local staff and the fire district argue reduces risk and insurance exposure.
What’s next: The council will take a second reading and final vote in a future meeting; staff will monitor building permits and the number of homes affected in the near term (staff identified six homes in Dutch Canyon Estates Phase 4 that may be impacted this fiscal year).
